Battle of Britain 70th

In the summer of 1940, the German Luftwaffe attempted to win air superiority over southern Britain and the English Channel by attacking coastal convoys and bombing radar stations along the south coast, installations of the British aircraft industry, and RAF airfields. This ensuing conflict came to be known as the Battle of Britain.

There were undoubtedly many brave service personnel who should be remembered as heroes of the Battle of Britain. Our celebratory stamp issue features two memorable participants namely Pilot Keith Gilman and Sir Douglas Bader.

Pilot Officer Keith Gilman from Dover, was just 19 years of age when he failed to return from combat over the Channel on August 25,1940. He was 32 Squadron's first pilot to be lost in the Battle of Britain.

This year Guernsey Post and The Westminster Collection are working exclusively with the Douglas Bader Foundation to commemorate these poignant anniversaries; it is hoped that the celebratory stamps will promote awareness and the Foundation's work with the disabled.